Padres Make Bold Call on Robert Suarez After Mason Miller Trade Shocker

The San Diego Padres are clearly swinging for the fences as the MLB trade deadline heats up. After making waves by acquiring elite closer Mason Miller from the Oakland Athletics in a blockbuster deal, fans and insiders alike began speculating that current closer Robert Suarez might be on the trade block. But according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Padres have no intention of moving him — and that decision might just supercharge their bullpen.

Padres Going All-In with Miller and Suarez

The trade for Mason Miller sent a strong message across the league: San Diego is all-in. The 25-year-old fireballer has been dominant for Oakland, and his addition immediately gives the Padres one of the best high-leverage weapons in baseball. With a fastball that touches triple digits and a knack for closing out games, Miller was arguably the most coveted bullpen piece available.

But what happens to Robert Suarez? The 33-year-old has been holding down the closer role in San Diego, and with Miller now in the picture, some assumed Suarez would be flipped for more assets. Instead, the Padres are doubling down.

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“The Padres have no plans to trade closer Robert Suarez,” Nightengale reported on X (formerly Twitter). “Giving them the best bullpen in baseball.”

Why Keeping Suarez Makes Sense

While trading Suarez may have made sense financially — he’s older and carries a larger contract — San Diego seems focused on maximizing their bullpen strength, not balancing the books. In fact, using Suarez alongside Miller gives the Padres a terrifying late-game combo that could rival any team in the league.

Instead of choosing one closer, manager Bob Melvin now has two elite arms who can shut the door on any lineup. Miller could be used in the highest-leverage situations — regardless of inning — while Suarez can continue to handle the ninth when needed.

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It’s a luxury few teams have, and the Padres aren’t taking it for granted.

Eyes Still on Dylan Cease

Nightengale also hinted that starter Dylan Cease may no longer be on the trade block either. With J.P. Sears joining the roster and adding rotation depth, the Padres may now be confident in holding onto Cease as part of their playoff push.

This aligns with Preller’s apparent strategy — patch every hole, add firepower, and make a real run at the NL West-leading Dodgers.

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Can San Diego Catch the Dodgers?

To dethrone the Dodgers, the Padres know they need more than just offense. Strong bullpens win October baseball, and San Diego is clearly gearing up for that fight. With Josh Hader gone, the bullpen had a massive void early in the season. But with Suarez staying and Miller arriving, that void has not only been filled — it’s now a major strength.

San Diego’s deadline moves have transformed a shaky bullpen into arguably the most dangerous in the National League. And by keeping Suarez in the fold, they’re sending a clear message: they’re not just aiming for the playoffs — they’re aiming to win the whole thing.

Buckle up, Padres fans. The push for October just got a whole lot more serious.